Ayurveda Basics

Ayurveda is the oldest surviving body of knowledge about health in a holistic sense and originated in India over 3000 years ago. Ayurvedic knowledge about Indian kings who moved with their tribe came to Sri Lanka quite early on and has remained alive here to this day. 'Ayus'= life, 'veda' = science/knowledge, i.e. the knowledge of life, is considered the mother of all healing arts. However, this Ayurvedic healing knowledge is not linked to a country, to a specific time, culture or religion, but is universal in nature and can be used anywhere and at all times. It is important to understand the principles of Ayurveda and implement them in your own environment.

Ayurveda regards humans as a unity of body, mind and soul in interaction with the environment and the cosmos. When this unity is in balance, humans have the basis for a healthy, happy and long life. According to Ayurveda, micro and macro cosmos are one. Therefore, all thinking and action in Ayurveda revolves around five elements: ether, air, fire, water, earth. The three bioenergies or constitutional types are also derived from them (Doshas)Vata, Pitta and Kapha and represent a connection between the gross and the subtle.

‍Vata — translated as much as “to move” or “wind” and is formed from air and ether. It is the movement principle in our body.

‍Pitta — means “heating” or “bile” and is derived from the element of fire with a small amount of water. It is the implementation principle on the physical and mental level and is responsible for all metabolic and digestive processes, as well as for human intelligence and mental abilities.

‍Kapha — is translated as “holding together” or “slime” and is formed from water and soil. It is the principle of stability and gives the body structure (skeleton, tissue), strength, potency, rest, endurance and resilience.

Everyone has all three doshas. Depending on the individual composition and characteristics of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, this results in his very personal constitution with its physical and psychological characteristics. There are 7 basic constitutions in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-Pitta, Vata-Kapha, Pitta-Kapha and Vata Pitta Kapha. Most people have a mixed type. If this original dosage structure (basic constitution) is now in harmonious balance, the person is healthy, resilient and happy. However, if the doshas are disturbed and in imbalance, this is the cause of physical and psychological complaints of all kinds.

‍The aim of Ayurveda is a healthy, long life. Health is reflected in a beautiful, clear skin, in mental clarity, in ability to concentrate and one brilliant mind, in Physical strength and endurance, and in a positive charisma.

Most of our health is in our own hands, and nutrition plays an essential role in this. According to Ayurvedic understanding, only the Nutrition 50— 80% of health off. But everyday behavior and, in particular, our thinking also strongly influence our health and well-being. Health also means continuous correction and insight, and so the application of Ayurvedic knowledge and Ayurvedic recommendations leads us to personal responsibility and self-love.

What we eat has a literally elementary influence on our physical health, our belle and radiance and emotional satisfaction. The special thing about Ayurvedic nutrition is that it focuses on people and not on food. In contrast to the West, where it is only about ingredients Works like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, secondary plant substances, Ayurveda is based on the individual effect of food on the individual and on their natural perception. As a result, there are no strict rules, dogmas or diets.

In Ayurveda, it is said that humans are what they digest, i.e. what the body makes from food. The body's digestive capacity depends on how good the digestive fire (Agni) burns. Like everything in Ayurveda, nutrition is based on balancing the characteristics prevailing in the body. The aim of Ayurvedic nutrition is to achieve the three Doshas to bring them into their individual balance and the digestive fire (Agni) and to refine perception (for what is beneficial or detrimental to me).

Everyone naturally has a sure sense of what is good for them and what is not. For example, we instinctively choose a type of fruit or vegetable that would compensate for our dosha disorders. (Vata types, for example, usually love beetroot as a grounding vegetable). However, this innate sensitivity has been spilled all too often as a result of education, years of unnatural habits and unreasonable eating habits. Emotional fluctuations also influence our preferences. When we are depressed, we tend to empty (Tamasian) Foods such as potato chips and cola, on the other hand, if we feel powerful and cheerful, we prefer vital, energy-rich and pure (Sattvische) Foods such as nuts and fresh ripe fruit.

Western dietetics is simply about a mixture of ingredients that are “scientifically” declared healthy. In Ayurveda, however, only what the individual body can actually metabolize optimally into healthy tissue is healthy without a lot of waste, toxins or waste products (Ama), or to have to eliminate them.

Since our miracle digestive tract is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, we can digest all the better (e.g. a”foreign “substance”Apple in a”own “substance, i.e. transform our own healthy body tissue), the more relaxed we are. That is why it is so important that we eat in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, with positive, thankful thoughts and, if possible, in friendly company. Every environment has an effect on us and we also have an impact on the environment. In addition, are the dishes prepared in an appetizing way (the eye eats too!) , our entire mind-soul-body system relaxes. Do you know the effect of individual foods on the Doshas And the personal dosha-Constellations of a person, Ayurveda offers us a wealth of knowledge and experience, which foods are beneficial and which are debilitating in order to balance the prevailing properties in the body. But there is no dogma here, as everyone can ultimately try out and perceive as an individual what is really good for them and what is not. In Ayurveda, letting go of what is not good for you is described as intelligent.

A first step would be not only to pay attention to how something tastes, but also to pay particular attention to how I get it, i.e. do I have more of a feeling of balance and satisfaction after a meal or snack, or do I feel tiredness or heaviness in my stomach?

In ancient Ayurveda stories, chefs are referred to as alchemists of life energy. That is why it is very important to prepare the food with love, joy and dedication. Then they also have healing power for body, mind and soul. An Ayurvedic Tri Dosha menu, i.e. a menu that for all Constitution types are digestible, always consists of several components, is wonderfully colorful, tasty, easy to digest and healthy. Classically, it consists of soup, salad or rice, dal, two different vegetables, chutney, dessert. The ingredients ideally come from the respective region and are as high-quality and unpolluted as possible.

Ayurveda means the knowledge of life, i.e. it is about understanding the universal principles and applying them in one's own environment (country). In principle, no exotic ingredients are required, with the exception of spices. Ayurvedic cooking does not mean exclusively Indian cooking. This is how you can use the Ayurvedic method any Conjure up cuisine, be it Italian, French or German. The prerequisite is that you abide by the rules. Another common misconception in this context is the so-called “Ayurvedic buffet” found in many Ayurveda resorts. It is not enough simply to set up a series of clay pots and mark them with 3 different colored dots, for Vata, Pitta and Kapha. As we could read at the beginning, most of us are mixed types, i.e. their basic constitution consists of 2 or 3 doshas. Even with a “pure” Dosha type, let's say Pitta, the food marked as —Pitta- is not always beneficial. For example, if he has a cold and has mucus (= his kapha is just too high), he should avoid cooling food, which is generally more tolerated by him due to his good digestive system. On these days, he should avoid the lassi drink, coconut water or lots of salad, among other things, as these would make him even more muddy.

The soul of every Ayurvedic meal is the so-called Fodni — the spice broth with ghee. Just by sautéing the spices in ghee their healing power is released. Only then are the other ingredients added.

Usually, the flavor (Rasa) is regarded as a rather random side effect of food that has nothing to do with its health quality. In Ayurveda However, the taste shows the composition and effect of the individual nutritional components very clearly. Everything is based on 5 elements, the elements are also assigned certain flavors. The 5 (6) Rasas are: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter, autumn/astringent. If you understand these connections, the type-appropriate dietary recommendations Vata, Pitta, Kapha and their mixed types can be derived from them.

Example: a Vata type needs sweet, sour, salty, while for a Pitta type sweet, bitter, autumn/astringent is beneficial. In the case of a mixed type of Vata Pitta, you are guided by whether the Vata or the Pitta predominates and then choose sweet-salty-bitter flavors, for example. But every meal should always contain all flavors in order to supply the body with all the ingredients it needs. Only the weighting of Rasas and Gunas (=properties such as hot-cold, liquid-dry, etc.) makes the difference.
Now the question is often asked, how can individual diet for different family members be reconciled? Ayurveda is simple in its basic principles and is often referred to as “kitchen medicine.” Probably the most important principle is: a freshly prepared hot meal at least once a day, preferably cooked for lunch and with love.

More easy solutions:

• Cook the food neutrally, i.e. with little salt, spices and fats. This is how every type of seasoning can be seasoned accordingly:
• Vata: plenty of ghee/oil, salt, flatulence resistant spices such as asafoetida, cumin, coriander, pepper.
• Pitta: ghee, coriander, cumin, turmeric
• Kapha: hot spices such as chilli, pepper

There are already ready-made churnas (roasted spice mixtures) for every type on the market.

• To vary the quantity and order of food:
• Vata Start with something warm, then salad or salad to eat.
• Pitta Start with a little dessert/sweet, then lots of salad and dessert.
• Kapha Start with something warm, add something spicy to the meal (e.g. spicy chutney), then salad, or salad, only very little dessert.

While the Vata type should rest after eating, Kapha would need a digestive walk. Basically, the composition of foods plays an important role in Ayurvedic cuisine. Our digestive organs can only ever create a suitable digestive environment for certain food groups (e.g. protein) in order to entire release life energy. If we eat the wrong food combinations from an Ayurvedic point of view, fermentation and putrefactive processes can already occur in the stomach, leading to Ama, acidification and Prana/ loss of energy lead.

That is why we should not mix animal proteins such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese and milk and, if possible, not eat them with carbohydrates at the same time (as in Quiche Lorraine or Paella). A fish with only vegetables, as is common in Italy, for example, would therefore be digestible for all constitutions. Vegetable proteins, on the other hand (e.g. in legumes), can be combined without hesitation. In general, the idea of separating food (not combining animal protein with carbohydrates) is also consistent with Ayurveda.

The Panchakarma cure is indicated to balance major health imbalances. It is important to understand that a Panchakarma treatment is not a wellness treatment or a more preventative 'gentle' Ayurveda treatment. Although it's a tempting thought, a Panchakarma cure When combining an experiential wellness holiday, you should consider what you want and what you expect. If you would rather combine an “active” pleasure and wellness holiday with nice trips, a simple one would probably be preventive Ayurveda treatment the right choice.

One Panchakarma cure On the other hand, is a Cleansing and Detoxification Therapy, which penetrates our organism very deeply. That is why everyone interested in such a cure is recommended, any physical and mental stress or effort whilst The duration of the treatment is largely preventing! You should also, if possible, extensive, exhausting sightseeing tours, mountain hikes, diving and other sports activities before Panchakarma treatment companies.

During the Panchakarma treatment, you should simply relax and be pampered by the oil treatments and enjoy them to give the body strength for the cleansing and healing processes, as well as to reset your metabolism. Of course, you can treat yourself to smaller trips and visits after the cleaning week, but that main focus is aimed at switching off, letting the mind calm down, letting go of everyday worries and problems and giving the body an opportunity to heal itself. Relaxing short walks on the beach, enjoying nature, gentle body and energy work and tailor-made yoga exercises will make a valuable contribution to regeneration.

‍Wouldn't it also be an interesting idea to think of a “device detox” during a detox treatment and leave your smartphone, laptop, etc. at home or give it to us for the duration of the Ayurveda or Panchakarma treatment?

In addition to these general guidelines for Ayurvedic, constitutional eating, there are other components to consider as part of an Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatment.

A Panchakarma diet consists primarily of Ayurvedic light foods, i.e. vegetables, mung cheese and light grains (rice). Animal foods, dairy products, raw foods or salads, as well as sumptuous desserts are avoided. Hot spices and sour fruits (such as pineapples) are also not part of this spa diet.

If there are serious indications, very simple and monotonous food (e.g. kitchari or vegetable curry) is recommended to relieve the metabolism. Drinking ghee also falls into this category in India.

This Panchakarma diet is also recommended during the cleansing week (first week of treatment), as part of a simple preventive Ayurveda treatment. After that, during the set-up phase, you can gradually move on to general Ayurvedic diet.

The focus of a Panchakarma treatment is on strict nutrition, medical treatments, medications and medical recommendations, which should be followed by the guest on their own responsibility and in the spirit of self-love if the treatment goal wants to be achieved.

Die Ayurveda cure. An in-depth description from a biochemical point of view.
The normal Ayurveda cure In Ayurveda Shunyata Villa, is the classic Ayurveda Panchakarm cure. Often also as Authentic Ayurveda cure referred to.

This treatment usually consists of 2 parts:

1. Cleaning week/Panchakarma week

Every Ayurveda treatment begins with this. (purification, detoxification, acid-base balancing...)

It is recommended to use a “Detox cure” Always do this once a year to prevent larger deposits of toxins and waste products (Ama) from accumulating in the body, which cause more and more diseases in the body as they grow.

In traditional Ayurveda teaching, Ama also means “incompletely digested.” If Ama accumulates in the body, metabolic processes are impaired. But “undigested” Ama can also occur on the emotional level.

Importance of cleansing week/ Panchakarma in Ayurveda:

In this context, it is perhaps interesting to know that all artificial additives in food are unknown to our biochemistry. Our organism cannot 'metabolize' these foreign bodies and simply deposits them in the body. However, as these “toxic waste deposits” are still in our bodies and are constantly growing, they gradually trigger significant health imbalances, such as skin diseases, allergies and so-called “food intolerances.”

Even in the European cultural area, people know the importance of an annual cleansing treatment. Be it the traditional fasting period before Easter or fasting cures such as Mayer Kur, Buchinger therapeutic fasting, Alkaline fasting and other detox treatments. They all have their right and make particular sense, especially today, as the burden of environmental toxins and artificial additives in food has never been higher.

2. The following week (s)

This is (are) the time for balancing the acid-base balance, readjustment of metabolism and healing.

This is where the cleaning process Grab, the metabolism starts working effectively again and so does our acid-base balance Comes gradually Back into balance.

If the first week of treatment is generally considered more exhausting, the second week will already see a significant relief in our entire system. Lightness and a new, pleasant body feeling occur.‍

The importance of a healthy acid-base balance:

Here we are at another important aspect of Ayurveda cure Arrived. Our western lifestyle (stress, negative life programs, irregular, unhealthy diet, toxins that enter the body through the environment, cigarettes, alcohol or medicines) cause our body to produce increased amounts of acid. If acid is produced in the body, our biosystem must act immediately and bind this acid. If the acid were to continue to enter the body, this would result in tissue and cells being destroyed. To neutralize the acid, valuable mineral salts are removed from the body in order to bind the acids. This is how slags and calcifications occur. When uric acid is bound, uric acid crystals are formed. The resulting chronic mineral deficiency and the various deposits then in turn cause many health imbalances, such as gout, arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, muscle and joint problems, skin diseases and much more.

During the Ayurveda treatment, the metabolism can readjust on the basis of a purified and relieved organic system. This is reflected, for example, in increased fat burning, a well-functioning digestive system again, improved breathing, clarity of mind, etc.

The Ayurvedic medicines prescribed for the period after cleansing, in particular the fresh medicinal herbs, which are a daily part of the diet in Ayurveda Shunyata Villa, can now develop their full potential.

In this way, a better general condition can be perceived as early as the second week of treatment. Symptoms of illness can disappear and life energy, health and zest for life return.

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